The Seattle Seahawks stay undefeated (5-0) after a victory over the Minnesota Vikings (1-4) on Sunday Night Football, but it was far from easy. Minnesota even took a 13-0 lead into the second half, and had a five-point lead in the final 20 seconds. But the Seahawks, led by NFL MVP favorite Russell Wilson, prevailed in wild fashion.
The Vikings had a difficult choice coming out of the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter with a 26-21 lead. Minnesota had 4th-and-inches at Seattle’s six-yard line, with the opportunity to either kick a chip-shot field goal to go up eight points, or gain half a yard to put the game away (Seattle also had only one timeout remaining). Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer chose to go for it, and the Vikings were stuffed.
The @Seahawks gets the ball back with 1:57 remaining, trailing 26-21.
📺: #MINvsSEA on NBC
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/fJGRlSb2nV pic.twitter.com/ATdfA0BXjB— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2020
On the ensuing drive, Wilson and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf connected for multiple huge fourth downs. First, Wilson hit Metcalf down the sideline for a 39-yard pass.
Russell Wilson hits D.K. Metcalf down the sideline for a 39-yard pass on 4th & 10. Wow. pic.twitter.com/oSqlzbVHdU
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 12, 2020
And to complete the drive, Metcalf made a diving catch on a Wilson pass (after dropping a much easier pass in the end zone two plays before this) with 15 seconds left.
Now Russell Wilson finds D.K. Metcalf in the end zone on 4th down for a go-ahead TD with 15 seconds left! Incredible SNF finish. pic.twitter.com/VpHfMF7m6b
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 12, 2020
The Vikings still had the opportunity to get into field goal range, but the refs decided the game was over on a questionable Kirk Cousins fumble ruling (even after review). Now, had this been ruled incomplete, it would’ve still taken a miracle; the Vikings would’ve had the ball at their own 27-yard line with four seconds left and no timeouts remaining. But, that’s still a chance that they didn’t get.
Incomplete pass or fumble? pic.twitter.com/N05Z0s9f0p
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 12, 2020
The Vikings were in full control of this game until the third quarter, when things fell apart. Minnesota went from leading 13-0 with 10 remaining in the third quarter, to trailing 21-13 less than two minutes later. In one sequence, Kirk Cousins threw a horrible interception, and Seattle’s Chris Carson ran for a 29-yard touchdown on the next play.
Kirk Cousins with a hilariously bad interception. pic.twitter.com/N3fx74G11I
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 12, 2020
On the next play, Chris Carson runs for a 29-yard Seahawks TD.
The Vikings were winning this game 13-0 a few minutes ago, and now trail 21-13. pic.twitter.com/3LM5jpzMRD
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 12, 2020
This would’ve been a massive win for the Vikings that could’ve felt like a potential season-saver, but instead they’re left very disappointed and with a 1-4 record. And it would’ve been a rough loss at home for the Seahawks, but Wilson stepped up late and kept his team undefeated.
It will be interesting to see how the Vikings respond with a home game against the winless Atlanta Falcons next week. It’s a must-win for Minnesota, especially ahead of a road game — after a Bye — against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.
The Seahawks get a Bye in Week 6, and will try to get back to putting together four quarters for a road game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7. Seattle is likely to be in a battle all season with the Packers for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.